He recalled their easy companionship. Weekends now felt empty. “It wasn’t any one thing. You know how you always said you and Dad fell madly in love the moment you met? We didn’t have that.”
“Well, it’s not love at first sight for everyone. Dad and I were lucky. Honestly, how many times have you had that happen?”
“Once.” A dark-haired beauty pricked at his memory. He pushed the images away. “Never,” he corrected himself.
She puffed some air. “Well, which is it? Must be a complicated love life.”
“I couldn’t even begin to tell you,” he admitted.
“Who was it? Tish? I liked her.”
“No, not Tish. Someone else you’ve never met.”
“As long as it’s not that horrible woman who abandoned you because of your accident. What’s her name? Orchid?”
“She didn’t abandon me. I’ve told you.”
“Leave, abandoned, never showed up, all the same wretched selfish thing,” his mom spat, surprising him with her vehemence.
“She’s not selfish,” he protested, wondering why he was defending her.
“You’ve always been overly generous in your estimation of others. You need to protect yourself first.”
Phoenix was too tired to correct her. He didn’t want to talk about it. “Okay, Mom.”
He nearly chimed in with his good-bye when she started up again.
“How’s the phantom pain?”
“It’s usually not too bad.”
“Is the mirror box therapy helping?”
“Yeah, amazing how the brain can be tricked into thinking a missing limb is still there. That guy who invented the technique is pure genius.”
Phoenix had been skeptical of the idea that seeing his right leg in a mirror would fool his brain into thinking his left leg was still there. Minds are mysterious. Somehow, it did diminish his pain.
“Maybe I should come out early, or stay with you for a bit after Easter.”
“You’re always welcome here, but really, there’s no need. How’s your business? It’s been busy, right?”
“Yeah, people in this town take on redecoration like spring cleaning. I’ve got two clients who need whole rooms redone before the holidays.”
“Then I’ll just see you at Easter.”
“Remember, if you change your mind, feel free to bring someone next week.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”When hell freezes over.
CHAPTER 47
HELLO OPERATOR
Caleb
THURSDAY MARCH 21, NEW BRUNSWICK
“Hey, Mom. How are you?” Caleb answered, twirling the cord attached to the old-fashioned handset Sascha had purchased for their shop.
